CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS

All corals are animals, but like lichens on land, which are part fungi and part algae, they have

a symbiotic relationship with algae. Most corals contain symbiotic algae called

zooxanthellae (note: pronounced zo-zan-thel-ee), within their tissues. The coral provides

the algae with protection and the compounds it needs to carry out photosynthesis. In

return, the zooxanthellae are the corals’ ‘solar panels,’ providing the reef building corals with

enough energy to extract calcium from the seawater to build their skeletons quickly. The zooxanthellae use sunlight for photosynthesis

and produce oxygen and sugars which the corals can use. This symbiosis is so successful that fast-growing species of corals can grow

up to 20 cm (8 inches) per year.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP IS THIS?

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

Many other coral reef animals, including sea anemones, soft corals, and giant clams, also have symbiotic relationships with these algae and

with each other.